engine temp, and a test drive~

[Denee007]

I wanted so badly to drive the truck to the Nifty50ees, but I just couldn't make it happen! I was having problems with the electric fan, but wound up being a poor ground from the thermostat spacer. I installed a temperature gauge that I trust vs the one on the instrument cluster. Seeing the needle all the way over or most the way over messes with me! I'm used to seeing a temp gauge in the middle!

Refresher: I have a desert cooler radiator, with an electric fan, and I believe a 195 degree fan switch. Ac putting out 42 degrees. These pics were from about 7:00pm, very warm, but not the bearing down heat from the Sun. So my question, is this OK, is this running hot? or just very warm?





This was taken a while back, but this is my radiator/electric fan.


As for the test drive of about 10 miles~ great! Rides solid! great acceleration! Need to work on my stereo Faster it goes, straighter it goes! OH, I Need seat belts! the three point ones I got out of the Tahoe are too short and won't let out(extend) without a fight! Any suggestions where to buy seat belts(3 point)?
thanks!!!!
dne'

[dwcsr]

200-210 is not too hot. The water doesn't start to boil until its 250 with a 15 lb. cap. Add antifreeze and its higher at about 265f 270f @50/50. If you go to high on the mix like 80 AF/20 water the boiling point is higher yet but it starts having issues releasing the heat at the radiator and can superheat. Once superheated it will boil and knock in the radiator. I forgot what fan you have but I would make sure your at 50/50 and see what the pressure cap is. It won't lower the gage but at least you'll know its in the safe zone at 200 210.

[OrrieG]

I used to drive across AZ and TX in the summer in my first 64 Chevelle with the temp sitting on 210-220. What is your T-stat temp? You might also consider some "water wetter" stuff.

[mknittle]

Fresh engines tend to run on the warm side anyway. everything is still tight and causes more friction thus heat.

[sqrlnts]

OrrieG, you ran any water additives that actually did what they claim? I can use all the help I can get right now. Thanks.

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by sqrlnts

OrrieG, you ran any water additives that actually did what they claim? I can use all the help I can get right now. Thanks.

The "wetting agents like Orrie is talking about break the surface tension between the water and the iron allowing better/more contact with the internal passages in the engine.
Surface tension is what happens when you try to water a plant and the water beads up and won't penetrate the soil. Exactly the same thing.
we used to run a product called Nalcool in the logging truck. it seemed to help.

http://www.vehicleservicepros.com/pr...l-product-line

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by Denee007

...Oh, I need seat belts! The three point ones I got out of the Tahoe are too short and won't let out (extend) without a fight! Any suggestions where to buy seat belts(3 point)?
thanks!!!!
dne'

Juliano's:

http://www.seatbeltstore.com/

I did NOT buy from them - contrary to member 1project2many's accusation on another thread that I "buy whatever I want whenever I need it" I spent a WHOLE $9 for belts out of a Ram van - haven't installed them yet though. And YES, I did get a bit of a red a$$ over the accusation.

I've never heard anything but good about Juliano's though.

[OrrieG]

All I run is 50 percent pet friendly coolant. Take a look a Kustombrads low buck build, I think he did belts inexpensively. I know there have been guys using Romieos concept with junk yard belts.
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[Denee007]

Thanks Dave for that explanation! I think I'm stuck in the mode of the visual aspect of seeing a temp needle in the middle of the gauge vs over to the right!
I guess I'm running 50/50ish. I wish now I had bought the 50/50 anti freeze instead of the straight stuff. I could use an antifreeze tester to see how it is now?

Dan thanks for that link. I actually don't mind paying a little more for new parts, especially when it comes to safety! Besides we don't really have any safety features in our trucks.
Thanks everyone!
Dne'
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[mr48chev]

Dennee, it looks to me like that gauge is sitting right at 195 where it should with the thermostat you have in the engine. If it were a 235 it might be a bit warm but with the engine you have it is right there at operating temperature.

[mknittle]

[QUOTE=Denee007;6162218]Thanks Dave for that explanation! I think I'm stuck in the mode of the visual aspect of seeing a temp needle in the middle of the gauge vs over to the right!
I guess I'm running 50/50ish. I wish now I had bought the 50/50 anti freeze instead of the straight stuff. I could use an antifreeze tester to see how it is now?

It doesn't hurt to have one but close is good enough. It's not like something bad will happen if it isn't perfect

Besides we don't really have any safety features in our trucks.
Thanks everyone!
Dne'

But when these trucks were built people could see past the inside of their windshields!

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

Dennee, it looks to me like that gauge is sitting right at 195 where it should with the thermostat you have in the engine. If it were a 235 it might be a bit warm but with the engine you have it is right there at operating temperature.

Good point on the 235. It was putting out significantly less BTU's than the new motor and the stock gage was setup as such so the new motor will look hot on the old gage.

If you want the stock gage take the cluster apart and calibrate it (bend the needle) to the center when its warmed up.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by Denee007

...Dan, thanks for that link. I actually don't mind paying a little more for new parts, especially when it comes to safety! Besides we don't really have any safety features in our trucks...

You're welcome. There are less expensive alternatives including eBay sourced belts but I'm telling myself I'll use Juliano's to replace my $9 specials in the future when I pick a final color.

In hindsight, pardon my little "hissy fit" over the comment on the "Trucks Leaving the Country" thread. Sometimes (rarely actually) people piss me off. Ha ha.
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[sqrlnts]

For what its worth, I purchased 2 new eBay belts for $50 shipped. I believe the price has gone up a few dollars but still a good price.

Luckily, I have not had to fully test them but, they fit great and lock up when they should. Just another option for you.

[Denee007]

I don't know why this made me laugh! lol I do have to pull my instrument cluster out anyway. The speedometer only gets up to 30mph when I know I'm going faster. Looks like it's hitting something. But I will do the bending trick Dave! That won't mess with my head so much seeing the needle way over!
dne'

Originally Posted by dwcsr

Good point on the 235. It was putting out significantly less BTU's than the new motor and the stock gage was setup as such so the new motor will look hot on the old gage.

If you want the stock gage take the cluster apart and calibrate it (bend the needle) to the center when its warmed up.